IT Schools Manager - K-12 Schools

Job Title: IT Schools Manager - K-12 Schools

Job-Type: Full time

Contract Days: 220 Days

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Annual Salary: $68,000 - $70,000

ABOUT WAYSIDE SCHOOLS: Wayside Schools is a tuition-free, open-enrollment public charter school network serving Pre-K 3 through 12th grade scholars in South and Southeast Austin. Wayside is committed to rigorous academics and creating an inclusive, caring community where all scholars are prepared for college and future success.

Job Goal:

The IT Manager is the leader for Wayside Schools and is responsible for the planning, coordination, management, and day-to-day operation of technology services across all campuses. The position provides both strategic leadership and hands-on technical support to ensure reliable, secure, and effective technology systems that support teaching, learning, and business operations. This position is a working manager who provides hands-on technical support while managing the overall technology function.

As a working manager, the IT Manager directly performs and oversees a broad range of technology responsibilities, including network and systems administration, troubleshooting, equipment installation and repair, cybersecurity, technology projects, vendor management, and user support. The IT Manager also supervises the IT Support Specialist, responds to technology emergencies and system outages, and serves as the primary technology resource and advisor to school leadership.

Required Education, Experience, and Certification:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in information technology, including network, systems, hardware, software, and user support.
• Experience managing and supporting technology operations across multiple locations; K-12 educational experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot, install, configure, maintain, and repair technology hardware, software, network infrastructure, and related systems.
• Experience leading IT projects, managing vendors and technology services, and overseeing technology-related purchasing.
• Experience supervising, training, or providing technical direction to IT staff.
• Strong knowledge of network infrastructure, cybersecurity, data protection, cloud-based systems, hardware, software, and technology troubleshooting.
• Experience supporting both Apple and PC platforms and familiarity with student information systems, learning management systems, and other K-12 technology applications.
• Ability to respond effectively to technology emergencies, system outages, cybersecurity incidents, and other situations requiring immediate technical support.
• Relevant IT certifications in networking, cybersecurity, systems administration, Microsoft, Apple, Google, Cisco, or related areas are preferred.

Performance Requirements

• Develop and document an ongoing vision and strategy for the organization's technology infrastructure and services.
• Lead and manage the day-to-day technology operations and technical support services across all Wayside campuses.
• Provide hands-on network administration, system troubleshooting, equipment installation, configuration, repair, maintenance, and upgrades.
• Provide timely technical support and assistance to staff and campuses, including troubleshooting classroom and administrative technology needs.
• Develop tools, training, and resources to support the effective use and implementation of technology throughout the organization.
• Develop and maintain relationships with technology vendors, manage contracts and service agreements, and oversee technology-related purchasing.
• Identify grant opportunities and manage federal funding applications and service renewals through the E-rate program in accordance with USAC guidelines and regulations.
• Maintain system security, data protection, network integrity, and appropriate cybersecurity practices across the organization.
• Respond to technology emergencies, system outages, cybersecurity incidents, and other urgent technology needs to minimize disruption to school and business operations.
• Repair or coordinate the repair of technology-related equipment and maintain accurate records of equipment, upgrades, repairs, warranties, and replacements.
• Support the acquisition, deployment, configuration, and lifecycle management of computers, network equipment, software, and other technology resources.
• Serve as a technical consultant and resource to the administration, campus leadership, and curriculum leaders.
• Supervise, manage, and provide direction to the IT Support Specialist, including assigning work, establishing priorities, and providing technical guidance.
• Develop and maintain procedures for backup, business continuity, disaster recovery, and restoration of critical technology services.
• Monitor emerging technologies and make recommendations regarding technology improvements, replacements, security, and organizational needs.
• Assist with development and management of the IT budget and make recommendations regarding technology purchases and resource allocation.
• Travel between campuses as needed to provide technical support, manage projects, and respond to technology needs or emergencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Sills Requirements

• Strong interpersonal, written, verbal communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong customer service skills with a professional, responsive, and solutions-oriented approach when working with staff, administrators, vendors, and scholars.
• Ability and willingness to learn new technologies and adapt to changing technology needs.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to train, guide, and support junior technology staff.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to identify issues, determine root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Knowledge of classroom and instructional technology, including Apple TVs, document cameras, VoIP/intercom systems, sound systems, projectors, and related equipment.
• Experience deploying, configuring, and managing Google Workspace, Google Apps, and Chrome in an educational or business environment.
• Experience managing and troubleshooting Chromebooks through the Google Admin Console.
• Strong understanding of network infrastructure, protocols, and tools, including switching, routing, firewalls, wireless controllers, DHCP, DNS, and Active Directory.
• Experience deploying, configuring, and managing enterprise Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions for Apple devices; experience with Jamf Pro preferred.
• Experience managing Single Sign-On (SSO), Universal Directory, and other identity and access management services; experience with Okta preferred.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve hardware, software, network, and connectivity issues across Apple, Windows, and Chrome OS environments.
• Ability to prioritize multiple technology needs, respond effectively to urgent issues, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to document technical procedures, maintain accurate records, and communicate technical information clearly to non-technical users.
• Ability to travel between campuses and provide hands-on technical support as needed.

Physical Effort and Work Environment

• Ability to lift, carry, and move technology equipment and other materials weighing up to approximately 40 pounds.
• Ability to perform hands-on technical work, which may include bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing ladders, working under desks, and accessing equipment in various locations.
• Ability to work in office, classroom, and technology equipment environments and travel between Wayside campuses as needed.
• Ability to respond to technology emergencies and system outages, which may occasionally require work outside of regular business hours.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required for this position.
• Work may occasionally be performed outside of normal school hours to support technology implementations, maintenance, emergencies, or other organizational needs.

Personal Work Relationships

• Reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and works collaboratively with senior leadership to support organizational technology needs and priorities.
• Maintains frequent and effective communication with campus administrators, teachers, staff, and other employees to assess needs, provide technical guidance, resolve issues, and support the effective use of technology.
• Supervises and provides direction, training, and support to the IT Support Specialist.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with technology vendors, service providers, and other external partners.
• Serves as the primary technology resource and advisor to administration and school leadership.
• Exercises independent judgment in prioritizing technology needs, resolving issues, and making recommendations regarding technology systems, services, security, and resources.
• Receives direction from the COO and is formally evaluated in accordance with Wayside Schools' performance management practices.

Benefits

• Employer paid health insurance, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 10 days of accrued leave per year
• Professional development opportunities
• 403(b) retirement plan